An Experiment on Soil Analysis
An Experiment on Soil Analysis
Jacob Pitcher and Derrick Gillespie
Chemistry Lab 112 Section 02
4/02/2013
Abstract
A sample of soil was tested for possible contaminants and other information using a variety of techniques including moisture analysis, pH measurement, acid-base titration, chloride-ion electrode analysis, and flame testing. The sample had a greater concentration of chloride ions, no measurable CaCo3 , and lower than standard moisture content. It was contaminated with KCl and likely HCl ionic solids.
Introduction
Soil is a vital component of any environmental network. It provides the basis for life for any environment. There are many factors that determine what life comes from soil such as texture of the soil, topsoil composition, inorganic and organic components, as well the chemical balance of the soil. Needless to say when the chemical balance of soil is altered by a foreign contaminant it has drastic effects on the surroundings. It is important to be able to identify these foreign contaminants so that the proper corrections can be made to the soil to bring the balance back to an habitable state. The primary goals of the experiment was to measure the pH of the soil samples, determine the buffering capacity of the soil samples, Determine the presence and amount of CaCO3 in the soil samples, determine the amount of chloride ion present in the soil samples, and to identify the foreign substance in the contaminated soil sample.
Experimental Procedure First, determine the dry weight of the soil by removing it 's moisture content. Do this by placing samples of both soil samples on separate watch glasses and oven dry both for one week. After the week, take the samples out and weigh them. compare this to the "wet" weight to find the percent of moisture content in each sample. Second, measure the pH of each using a pH probe . It is difficult to use on a dry soil sample so make a suspension of each soil sample by mixing 10 grams of dry soil
Jacob Pitcher and Derrick Gillespie
Chemistry Lab 112 Section 02
4/02/2013
Abstract
A sample of soil was tested for possible contaminants and other information using a variety of techniques including moisture analysis, pH measurement, acid-base titration, chloride-ion electrode analysis, and flame testing. The sample had a greater concentration of chloride ions, no measurable CaCo3 , and lower than standard moisture content. It was contaminated with KCl and likely HCl ionic solids.
Introduction
Soil is a vital component of any environmental network. It provides the basis for life for any environment. There are many factors that determine what life comes from soil such as texture of the soil, topsoil composition, inorganic and organic components, as well the chemical balance of the soil. Needless to say when the chemical balance of soil is altered by a foreign contaminant it has drastic effects on the surroundings. It is important to be able to identify these foreign contaminants so that the proper corrections can be made to the soil to bring the balance back to an habitable state. The primary goals of the experiment was to measure the pH of the soil samples, determine the buffering capacity of the soil samples, Determine the presence and amount of CaCO3 in the soil samples, determine the amount of chloride ion present in the soil samples, and to identify the foreign substance in the contaminated soil sample.
Experimental Procedure First, determine the dry weight of the soil by removing it 's moisture content. Do this by placing samples of both soil samples on separate watch glasses and oven dry both for one week. After the week, take the samples out and weigh them. compare this to the "wet" weight to find the percent of moisture content in each sample. Second, measure the pH of each using a pH probe . It is difficult to use on a dry soil sample so make a suspension of each soil sample by mixing 10 grams of dry soil
Cited: 1. Campbell N.A.; Reece J. B. In Biology; Wilbur, B., Ed.; Biology 8th edition; Pearson Benjamin Cumming: San Francisco, CA, 2008; 1. pp 786-787 2. http://soil.gsfc.nasa.gov nasahttp://soil.gsfc.nasa.gov/index.php?section=85